[JRutledge]

Right out of the Manual on Page 74 (Sorry, cannot embed the photo).

The Lead has primary on-ball coverage when the ball is below the free-throw line extended opposite the Trail. When a throw-in occurs on the sideline opposite the Trail below the free-throw line extended, the Lead administers the throw-in using the boxing-in method by bouncing the ball to the thrower. This means the Lead and Trail will not have to switch or move across the court to administer a throw-in below the free-throw line extended.

In order for the Lead to administer the sideline throw-in, significant coverage adjustments must be made. The Lead must move closer toward the sideline before bouncing the ball to the thrower to ensure a proper visual field that includes the thrower and throw-in plane. The Lead should also get deep (move back away from the end line) to increase the field of vision and see secondary coverage of post play on the low block (MechaniGram).

With the Lead focused nearer the throw-in, the Trail must move off the opposite sideline and onto the court to officiate all off-ball action, including action in the lane area. The Trail must be aggressive if an off-ball foul in the lane is detected, moving toward the foul to close the distance. The Trail is also responsible for mirroring the “start clock” (Signal 1) of the Lead.

As with all throw-ins, the Lead and Trail should make eye contact before the Lead bounces the ball to the thrower.

Keep in mind the Lead administers throw-ins below the free-throw line extended when the ball goes out of bounds on the Lead’s side of the court. If the ball goes out of bounds below the free-throw line extended on the Trail’s side of the court (opposite the Lead), the Trail administers that throw-in. There is no need for the Lead to come across the court to administer that throw-in because the Trail would also have to cross the court to apply boxing-in principles.

Peace